Not often would one drive to Port Alberni seeking food but there is a case to be made.  We happened to have an appointment at the local hospital today and finished in time for lunch. We had heard good reports on PORTO TACO, a funky joint a block or so up Argyle Street from the Quay. Tacos it was. 

PORTO TACO is a small restaurant with a few stools in the window and a long community table that can probably seat 16 or more. Outside is a small patio as well as a couple of  tables on the sidewalk. But it’s all about the food here. 

Ordering is done at the counter where you receive a number so the food is delivered to your table. We chose Fish Tacos, made to order and they were delicious! Not as much fish as the Lantzville Pub but very tasty. We didn’t slurp a Margarita, but they looked fabulous. Instead I enjoyed a Mexican Cola. Had never seen one before. Really good. 

The menu here is quite extensive and includes Burritos, Chimichangas, Taco Salad etc. here is the full menu. 

https://www.portotaco.com/menu

If you are heading to or passing through Port Alberni and are peckish, PORTO TACO is the place to go. 

Just saying…

There is a shortage of good restaurants in the PARKSVILLE Qualicum Beach area, as least in my opinion, so we keep searching for something good. Three recent visits to the CACTUS CLUB in Nanaimo have been very satisfying. 

Had not been to the Cactus Club for some time so we dropped in for late lunch recently, were seated in front of the cosy fireplace, and really enjoyed their SLIDERS. Beef for Sheila, Crunchy Chicken for me. For $17 they serve up three each of this deliciousness which is a pretty good buy. On another recent visit we sat in the bar. It was Super Bowl Sunday and was a bit noisy. We both tucked into a fabulous House Salad which had a really tasty dressing. A side, a bowl actually, of the best Yam Fries ever,  completed our pre Theatre snack. On a third visit it was a salad for Sheila and the SZECHUAN CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS for me. This dish was simply wonderful. Sweet and Spicy Szechuan Chicken with peanuts, wontons, Korean Chili sauce and Spicy Yogurt served with almost an entire head of fresh crispy lettuce. Don’t want to hand wrap it? They will also serve this with shredded lettuce. You must try this as soon as possible! You must. 

Almost forgot to mention that on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s Cactus Club offer wine by the bottle at half price. Have a glass and take the rest home if you wish. That’s a very good deal! 

Cactus Club is now wholly owned by the Earl’s, Joey, group and with more than 30 restaurants across Canada they seem to be doing a lot of things right. Great food, service and ambiance. By the way Earl’s have 59 locations including 10 in the USA. JOEY’s have 32 restaurants including several in the USA. 

The Nanaimo location is on 19A at Turner Road. Easy to find with plenty of free parking. They have a very easy and efficient online reservation service too. 

http://www.Cactus Club cafe.com

Just saying…